Vietnam Visa for Indians on arrival full guide A – Z

Vietnam, a captivating country with stunning landscapes and rich culture, is a popular destination for Indian travelers. If you’re planning your trip, understanding the visa process is crucial. While the E-visa is common, many Indians inquire about the Vietnam visa for Indians on arrival (VOA). This guide provides everything you need to know about securing your visa, focusing specifically on the VOA process and comparing it with the E-visa option.

Understanding Vietnam Visa Options for Indian Citizens

The most important thing to know is: Yes, Indian passport holders MUST have a valid visa to enter Vietnam. There are primarily two ways to obtain this visa:

1. Vietnam Visa on Arrival (VOA): This involves getting a pre-approved “Visa Approval Letter” online before you travel and then receiving the actual visa stamp in your passport upon arrival at specific Vietnamese international airports. This guide will focus heavily on this option.
2. Vietnam E-visa: A fully electronic visa applied for online before travel. It’s generally the most recommended option for tourists due to its simplicity and wider entry point acceptance (including land and sea borders).

Beside that:

• A Vietnam visa should be applied for at least 7 working days in advance (excluding Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays of Vietnam)
• A Vietnam evisa is good for up to 90 days (including entry and exit dates), single or multiple entry.
• To speed up the Vietnam arrival procedure at airport, Vietnam arrival Fast-track service is highly recommended.
• A Vietnam visa for Indians can be applied for by themself at the Immigration website.

Visa Types for Indian Tourists

E-visa

Since August 15, 2023, Vietnam offers a significantly improved E-visa system:

• Eligibility: Available to citizens of ALL countries, including India.
• Validity: Up to 90 days.
• Entry Type: Single or Multiple entries allowed within the 90 days.
• Application: Done directly via the official Vietnam Immigration Portal.
• Cost: $25 USD for single entry, $50 USD for multiple entry (paid directly on the official website).
• Processing Time: Typically 3-5 working days (can take longer).
• Entry Points: Valid at numerous international airports, land borders, and seaports (check the official list).

Why E-visa is Often Preferred:

• Apply directly via the official government site (no agency needed).
• Pay everything online.
• No queuing at a separate VOA counter upon arrival.
• Valid for entry via air, land, and sea.
• Generally simpler and more streamlined for tourists planning ahead.

E-visa Requirements for Indians:

• Indian passport valid for at least 6 months beyond entry.
• Digital copy of passport data page (jpeg).
• Digital passport-style photo (jpeg, white background, no glasses).
• Valid international debit/credit card for payment. See more: Vietnam Payment Method

Visa on Arrival (VOA)

The term “Visa on Arrival” can be slightly misleading. You cannot simply arrive in Vietnam without prior arrangement and expect a visa. You must obtain a Visa Approval Letter online beforehand through an authorized agency.

Who is the VOA suitable for?

• Indian travelers arriving by air at specific international airports.
• Those needing an urgent visa (approval letters can sometimes be processed faster than e-visas in emergencies, though this costs extra).
• Business travelers requiring specific visa types arranged via VOA.
• Travelers who prefer this method or encountered issues with the e-visa system.

Eligibility for VOA:

• Must be an Indian passport holder.
• Passport must have at least 6 months validity from your date of entry into Vietnam.
• Passport must have at least 2 blank pages for the visa stamp and entry/exit stamps.
• You must be arriving by air at one of the designated international airports (see list below). VOA is NOT available at land or sea borders.

Steps to Get the Vietnam Visa on Arrival for Indians:

• Apply for the Visa Approval Letter Online:

• • Choose a reputable online visa agency (many exist, search for “Vietnam visa approval letter service”).
  • Fill out their secure online application form with your passport details, travel dates, and arrival airport.
  • Pay the Approval Letter Service Fee to the agency. This fee varies depending on the agency, visa type (single/multiple entry, 1/3 month duration), and processing speed (standard vs. urgent). Expect costs starting from approx. $15-25 USD for a basic 1-month single entry letter (urgent services cost significantly more).

• Receive the Visa Approval Letter:

• • The agency will process your application with the Vietnam Immigration Department.
  • You will receive the Visa Approval Letter via email (usually a PDF) within the promised timeframe (typically 2-3 working days for standard processing). Check it carefully for accuracy. Print at least two copies.

• Prepare for Arrival:

• • Printed Visa Approval Letter.
  • Valid Indian Passport.
  • Completed Vietnamese Visa Application Form (Form NA1 – often downloadable from the agency or available at the airport). Fill it out beforehand to save time.
  • Two recent passport-sized photos (typically 4×6 cm, white background).
  • Cash for the Stamping Fee (paid directly at the Vietnam airport).

• Upon Arrival in Vietnam (at Designated Airports):

• • Do NOT go straight to the main immigration counters.
  • Look for the “Visa on Arrival” or “Landing Visa” counter.
  • Submit your printed Approval Letter, completed application form, passport photos, and passport.
  • Pay the Stamping Fee in cash (USD is preferred, but VND may be accepted. Exact amounts are crucial). Stamping Fee: $25 USD for single entry (1 or 3 months), $50 USD for multiple entry (1 or 3 months). These fees are fixed by the government and are separate from the agency’s service fee for the letter.
  • Wait for your name to be called while the officer processes your visa.
  • Receive your passport back with the official Vietnam visa sticker/stamp.
  • Proceed to the regular immigration counters for entry check.

Airports Allowing Vietnam Visa on Arrival for Indians:

VOA is only available at these international airports:

• Hanoi (Noi Bai International Airport – HAN)
• Ho Chi Minh City (Tan Son Nhat International Airport – SGN)
• Da Nang (Da Nang International Airport – DAD)
• Nha Trang (Cam Ranh International Airport – CXR)
• Hai Phong (Cat Bi International Airport – HPH)
• Phu Quoc (Phu Quoc International Airport – PQC) (Check specific conditions for Phu Quoc visa exemption if applicable)

Pros and Cons of VOA for Indians:

• Pros: Can sometimes be faster for urgent letter processing (at extra cost), an alternative if e-visa fails.
• Cons: Requires finding and paying a third-party agency for the letter, involves queuing at the airport VOA counter, requires carrying cash (USD preferred) for the stamping fee, only valid for air travel to specific airports.

Key Considerations & Terms

• Plan Ahead: Apply for either VOA approval letter or E-visa at least 7-10 working days before travel.
• Validity: Ensure your passport meets the 6-month validity rule.
• Accuracy: Double-check all information on your application (E-visa or VOA letter) matches your passport exactly. Errors can cause major issues.
• Health Insurance: While sometimes requested, it’s always highly recommended to have comprehensive travel health insurance covering Vietnam.
• Visa Extension: Extending visas within Vietnam can be complex and costly. It’s best to apply for the correct duration initially. E-visas (90 days) offer more flexibility than older VOA schemes.
• Overstaying: Do NOT overstay your visa. Penalties include fines and potential deportation/future entry bans.

FAQs: Vietnam Visa on Arrival for Indians

Can I apply for a visa online?

Yes, Indian citizens can apply for an e-visa online through the official Vietnamese government website.

What are the requirements for an e-visa?

You will need a valid passport, a recent passport-sized photograph, and proof of health insurance. The e-visa application form will require you to provide your travel information, including intended dates of stay and destinations.

Can I apply for a visa on arrival?

Yes, a visa on arrival is available at designated airports in Vietnam. You will need a valid passport, a visa application form, a passport-sized photograph, and proof of health insurance.

How do I apply for a visa on arrival?

Upon arrival at the airport, you will be directed to a visa-on-arrival counter where you will need to submit your documents and pay the visa fee.

Can I extend my visa in Vietnam?

Yes, a visa on arrival can be extended for an additional 15 days within Vietnam. You will need to apply for the extension at the Immigration Department.

What happens if my visa expires before I leave Vietnam?

If your visa expires before you leave Vietnam, you will be subject to fines and possible deportation.

Is it possible to travel to Vietnam without a visa?

For short stays, some nationalities can enter Vietnam visa-free, but this does not apply to Indian citizens.

What is the Vietnam visa cost for Indian citizens?

The cost depends on the type of visa:

• E-visa: If you apply directly through the official Vietnam Immigration portal, the government fee is USD $25 for a single-entry visa (valid up to 90 days) or USD $50 for a multiple-entry visa (valid up to 90 days). This is paid online during the application.
• Visa on Arrival (VOA): This has two separate costs:

1. 1. Approval Letter Service Fee: Paid online to a private visa agency before you travel. This fee varies depending on the agency and processing speed (standard vs. urgent), often starting around $15-25 USD but can be higher.
   2. Stamping Fee: Paid in cash (USD preferred) directly to the immigration officer at the Vietnam airport upon arrival. The fee is USD $25 for a single-entry visa or USD $50 for a multiple-entry visa.

What is the official website to apply for a Vietnam visa for Indians?

The official government website for applying for the Vietnam E-visa is the Vietnam Immigration Department’s e-visa portal. You should ensure the website address https://www.mofa.gov.vn/en. Be very cautious of non-official, commercial websites that may look similar but charge additional service fees.

Note: For the Visa on Arrival (VOA), you do not use the official government website to get the initial Visa Approval Letter. You must use a private online visa agency service for that step.

What is the processing time for a Vietnam E-visa for Indians?

A: The standard processing time for a Vietnam E-visa, applied for through the official portal, is typically 3 to 5 working days. This excludes weekends (Saturday and Sunday) and Vietnamese public holidays. Processing can occasionally take longer, especially during peak travel seasons or if there are any issues with your application details. It’s strongly recommended to apply at least 1-2 weeks before your intended travel date to allow ample time.

What is the required photo size for a Vietnam visa for Indians?

A: The photo requirements differ slightly depending on the visa type:

• For E-visa: You need to upload a digital photo file (in .jpeg format) during the online application. While specific pixel dimensions aren’t always rigidly enforced, it should follow standard passport photo guidelines: recent (within 6 months), clear, front-facing view of your full face, plain white background, and no glasses. The proportions are generally similar to a standard 4×6 cm passport photo.
• For Visa on Arrival (VOA): You need to bring two physical, printed passport photos with you to present at the VOA counter at the airport. The standard required size is typically 4 cm x 6 cm. These photos must also meet standard passport requirements (recent, white background, clear face, no glasses).

Conclusion